E-websmart Chosen as Exclusive Web Site Designer for Apricot Lane Boutiques

Scott Jacobs, president of Apricot Lane USA, announced recently that e-websmart, a Rochester-based Web site design firm owned by Michelle Tjelmeland, will be the exclusive vendor to build Web sites for Apricot Lane Boutique franchise stores.

“E-websmart designs sites with unmistakable flair, and Michelle’s creativity is the perfect match for Apricot Lane stores,” Jacobs said. “For over a year now, we’ve been working with Michelle and her team, and we’ve seen nothing but great service for our franchisees.”

“Her passion for her work is contagious. We are very excited to award e-websmart this exclusive status for Web design for our boutiques.”

Jacobs said e-websmart also serves as the social networking specialist for Apricot Lane headquarters in Vacaville, California, and the franchise stores.

“Michelle is an industry leader in technology,” said Jacobs, “and she is helping our stores develop a social networking strategy to reach out and build relationships with their customers.”

Apricot Lane is a specialty clothing boutique that features branded clothing apparel, jewelry, gifts, and accessories. There currently are 48 Apricot Lane opened and planned stores in 22 states across the United States.

“We truly appreciate our relationship with Apricot Lane and are so thrilled to now be the exclusive Web designer,” said Tjelmeland, who has over 10 years of experience in the Web design industry. “The stores offer a unique shopping experience, and we look forward to bringing that to life on each site we design.”

Tjelmeland said that her small business background gives her insight for creating the sites for Apricot Lane USA stores. “I know how important it is to brand your business and present an image that differentiates you from the competition. We design each Apricot Lane site with that goal in mind.”

Tjelmeland said customers browsing the sites will not only see what each store has to offer, but will also get a sense of the store’s unique personality and shopping atmosphere. “We create Web sites that generate excitement and make customers want to go out and shop at Apricot Lane!”

Apricot Lane USA is a division of Country Visions, which was listed by Entrepreneur Magazine as one of the Top 50 New Franchises in March 2008 and received the Hot Retailer for Fashion award by The International Council of Shopping Centers also in 2008.

About e-websmart
E-websmart (www.e-websmart.com) is a Web design and consultation firm based in Rochester, Illinois. Started in 1999 by Michelle Tjelmeland, the company focuses on creating insightful, high-energy, business-building solutions to provide a visually appealing yet functional Web site for their clients. In addition, e-websmart offers Web support and hosting and domain setup, integrates e-commerce solutions, establishes e-mail service, and offers blog and social networking support. E-websmart also creates one-of-a-kind logo creation, custom correspondence materials, and other print material to present a consistent image in an attractive, unique package.

About Apricot Lane USA
Apricot Lane USA is a specialty retail franchise that combines opportunities from the fashion and gift industries to offer branded fashion apparel, jewelry, handbags, accessories and gifts in the styles and trends customers want. Apricot Lane carries designer apparel brands such as Lucky Brand Jeans, Joe’s Jeans, 1921 Denim, Habitual and many other premium denim lines. They also carry the hot new collections by Ed Hardy, Crystal Rock, Sinful, Free people by Urban Outfitters, Hale Bob and other up and coming designers. Many of these brands can be found in upscale department stores but the small boutique convenience, service and environment are the attraction. Today there are more than 40 stores in 25 states across the United States. The parent company, Country Visions, was listed by Entrepreneur Magazine (March 2008) as one of the Top 50 New Franchises and was previously recognized in the franchise industry as the #1 Gift Store four years in a row by Entrepreneur Magazine, and was rated 21st in Franchisee Satisfaction by Success Magazine. Stores can be found in lifestyle centers, regional malls, tourist spots, downtown locations and some strip centers.